COAST-X Begins in Community: Lessons from Point Lay

 

Before COAST-X moves across Alaska’s western and northern coasts, it begins in community. During the first week of February, a team from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Arizona State University, Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation Science, our ACTION Community Research Lead from the Native Village of Gambell, and the Goldstream Group traveled to Point Lay as part of the NSF-funded ACTION project. Our purpose was not to collect samples or deploy instruments. We were there to listen. The visit centered on a community visioning effort, an opportunity to better understand local priorities, concerns, and observations, and to ensure that the science guiding COAST-X reflects the lived realities of the people who know this coast best.

Listening on the Chukchi Sea Coast

In Point Lay, we met with the Native Village of Point Lay Tribal Council, elders, tundra travelers, teachers, and community members. Conversations focused on coastal change, winter travel, terrain, safety, and life along the Chukchi Sea. These discussions took place during five straight days of -60°F (-51°C) wind chill, blowing snow, and near whiteout ground blizzard conditions. Travel was limited. Visibility dropped. The Arctic reminded us, in no uncertain terms, who sets the terms of engagement here. The weather underscored something fundamental. COAST-X is not simply a scientific traverse. It is about understanding mobility, infrastructure, safety, and resilience in some of the most dynamic and extreme environments on Earth.

Research, Presence, and Care

During the storm, our team helped prepare and deliver meals to more than 30 households, approximately 130 individuals, who were homebound due to the conditions. It was a humbling experience. In Arctic communities, research cannot be separated from relationship. Presence matters. Showing up matters. Helping one another matters. Science here is not detached from community life. It is embedded within it. The week reinforced that place-based, community-engaged research must begin with shared experience and mutual care.

Shaping the Northern Leg of the 2026 Traverse

A key focus of the visit was refining the northern portion of the COAST-X 2026 traverse. We spent time with elders and experienced tundra travelers reviewing terrain, travel routes, and coastal conditions between Kivalina and Point Lay. Using a well-worn National Geographic adventure map as a reference, we discussed sea ice behavior, river crossings, pressure ridges, coastal erosion hotspots, and areas of historical travel. This knowledge is critical. It will directly shape route planning, safety protocols, and research priorities for the northern segment of the approximately 1,500-mile snowmachine traverse from Bethel to Utqiaġvik. COAST-X depends on this co-production of knowledge. Satellite data and models are powerful tools, but they are incomplete without lived expertise.

Connecting Classrooms to the Coast

We also visited the Point Lay school, where we shared the COAST-X infographic developed by Arctic Haven Scientific and met with science and math teachers to explore education and outreach opportunities. Students in Point Lay and in communities along the traverse route will follow the journey as it progresses from Bethel to Point Lay and onward to Utqiaġvik. We are working toward near real-time updates and tracking so that classroom learning connects directly to on-the-ground and on-the-snow observations. Ultimately, we hope students will not only follow the traverse, but see themselves reflected in Arctic science and engineering pathways.

Groundwork for What Comes Next

This visit laid essential groundwork for the northern leg of COAST-X. More importantly, it reinforced why community-engaged Arctic science must begin with relationships, listening, and shared purpose. Traverses may span hundreds of miles, but trust is built one conversation at a time. Quyanaqpak to the Native Village of Point Lay for the warmth, generosity, and openness you shared under truly extreme polar conditions. We are deeply grateful and look forward to continuing this work together. 

COAST-X begins long before the first snowmachine moves. It begins in community.